Revert back to Stock without wipe? - Galaxy Note5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I have a Tmobile phone, but I have a rooted kernel, is there a way I could just flash a stock kernel through recovery and be done with root but keep from wiping all my data? Also links to such kernels would be appreciated, cause I'm not sure which to use.

You have to have a custom recovery installed via ODIN
Download stock firmware (there are several places around here to find it, and if you can't you can get it at Sammobile.com)
Boot into custom recovery and wipe all partitions EXCEPT INTERNAL STORAGE
Boot into download mode DIRECTLY FROM RECOVERY
flash stock firmware via ODIN
Profit

My apologies, but this will wipe my phone, I just want to replace the kernel with a non rooted version, not that firmware.

RighteousJoe said:
My apologies, but this will wipe my phone, I just want to replace the kernel with a non rooted version, not that firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will wipe your apps and settings (SMS conversations), but all of your personal data (Photos, movies, music) will still be there and the firmware includes the stock kernel.
As far as I know, this is the only way to revert to stock without losing all your data. I don't think you can simply flash a stock kernel, though I could be way off on that one. This method is how I reverted to stock.

Yeah I appreciate your input, but I have certain needs with the current data on my phone I can't part with yet. But hopefully somebody knows of a way, Thank you.

RighteousJoe said:
Yeah I appreciate your input, but I have certain needs with the current data on my phone I can't part with yet. But hopefully somebody knows of a way, Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can backup all of the data you need. Since all of your internal storage will be untouched, you won't need to back that up, but if you need your SMS and call logs and whatnot that stuff can all be backed up. What data do you need exactly?

I have certain game data, that I need lol.

Akw6190 said:
You can backup all of the data you need. Since all of your internal storage will be untouched, you won't need to back that up, but if you need your SMS and call logs and whatnot that stuff can all be backed up. What data do you need exactly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
after you reverted back to stock, will you be able to receive and apply official OTAs?

xijun824 said:
Hi,
after you reverted back to stock, will you be able to receive and apply official OTAs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, however most, if not all of the ROM devs are going to update their ROMs to Marshmallow fairly quickly.

Related

Restoring to stock ROM (N1 ATT)

I have been testing the N1 for a few days, and just making sure there aren't any hardware issues before I void the warranty (possibly) through unlocking the bootloader and flashing a ROM. I would like to know if it is possible to revert to a factory settings ROM with exactly the "out of the box" settings and OS.
Backup: Unlock, install a RA-nexus recovery, save current ROM to SD, save settings with a backup app.
Restore: Start RA-nexus, recover ROM from SD, do factory settings wipe.
Is this correct?
Currently you can't relock the bootloader, you can revert everything apart from this. It does void your warranty but apparently HTC have been decent about fixing rooted N1s with hardware defects anyhow.
justin2net said:
I have been testing the N1 for a few days, and just making sure there aren't any hardware issues before I void the warranty (possibly) through unlocking the bootloader and flashing a ROM. I would like to know if it is possible to revert to a factory settings ROM with exactly the "out of the box" settings and OS.
Backup: Unlock, install a RA-nexus recovery, save current ROM to SD, save settings with a backup app.
Restore: Start RA-nexus, recover ROM from SD, do factory settings wipe.
Is this correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As @nDrg said, you can't relock the bootloader, but you can restore the phone completely to the stock ROM... download the EPE54B stock ROM, rename it to PASSIMG.zip, copy it to the SD card, enter bootloader mode. The phone will find the zip and ask you if you want to apply the update... this will restore everything to the stock EPE54B ROM
Didn't work for me, please help...
Hello,
I tried to place the above listed file on my SD (tried the one from the link on your sig, and one from another source) and could not get it to recognize the file from bootloader, nor could I flash it from zip (via recovery).
I have been searching for a way to revert to stock ROM for days now (and I have been researching) and I can't seem to find a way that I can get to work. (I am running both cyanogenmod 5.06, and modaco's sense - switch back and forth with the RA revovery screen). I can't connect reliably to wifi on either, and want the option to go back to stock.
I'm very much new to Android (and the Nexus) thus I'm probably just missing some things that are obvious to more advanced users.
I was hoping that you might be willing to post a step by step guide to reverting to stock for newbies? (Explain each step, eg. I barely know what fastboot is). Or, do you know of a guide that you could point me (and others I'm sure) to?
One might ask why I rooted and modded my device when I did not understand enough of what I was undertaking to reverse the process. One would be absolutely correct in such a question! That being said, if anyone is willing to help, it would be much appreciated.
Thanks so much,
Randy
Just curious why you'd want to go back to stock?
prettyboy85712 said:
Just curious why you'd want to go back to stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@prettyboy85712:
I do love both cyanogenmod and modaco's sense rom, but I haven't been able to connect via wifi on either for quite awhile (though normal network connection works fine). To be more specific, if I have been able to connect via wifi without the sim card in the phone, but not with it inserted.
As well, it seems like a good idea to be able to revert to stock if I did need to (stock updates, etc.) and I'd like to try wifi with stock, to see if it's the phone or the ROM. (My fault for not figuring out how to do this before I modded )
Thanks so much,
Randy
if u want to go completely back where u still receive ota (minus the locked bootloader that u can't change that its unlocked) u can download the signed secure nexus 1 Rom from modaco and then flash the boot,system,and recovery.img though fast boot go to nexus one forum and search rolling back to stock Rom it gives detailed instructions on how to do it I did it to make sure it works and was simple it is and u even get ota updates from Google hope this helps if u need any help just send me a pm good luck let us know how it goes
-------------------------------------
Sent from my Nexus One

Flashing over a rom?

So im wondering, what is the standard practise, or based on your own experiences. What is the best way to flash over an existing rom using CWM? What do you do to prepare the fone for new rom, wipe user data, dalvik cache, before or after flashing. Just trying to get a good idea of how to do it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
going from rom to rom:
put rom.zip on /sdcard/
reboot to recovery
install zip from sdcard
point to rom.zip
flash
reboot
any rom that has been properly done will wipe user data and dalvik cache for you. no need to do it manually
i always flash back to eclair and master clear with odin one click to make sure all files from previous roms are gone then CWM flash new ROM
Pirateghost said:
going from rom to rom:
put rom.zip on /sdcard/
reboot to recovery
install zip from sdcard
point to rom.zip
flash
reboot
any rom that has been properly done will wipe user data and dalvik cache for you. no need to do it manually
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Except I do clear the caches manually, but that's just because I have OCD.
CremeFraiche said:
i always flash back to eclair and master clear with odin one click to make sure all files from previous roms are gone then CWM flash new ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lets look at the master clear function shall we?
when you flash to stock...your entire / is stock (RFS, eclair 2.1, /data /system, etc)
essentially, you have just reformatted your root, think of it like formatting your C drive and your sdcard is like a secondary internal drive that contains storage
master clear at this point will only delete items off your /sdcard
roms dont care about your /sdcard, master clear is worthless when you are stock
there was a time where it was necessary to flash to stock to reset the filesystem and then flash the rom. it has not been needed in months, but it continues to get preached as gospel.
even flashing to stock isnt necessary unless you are trying to come from CM7 or MIUI....or if something goes horribly wrong
Thx for info guys, I have flashed a few times and it seemed like now and then my fone must became bogged down and needed to be fully wiped, sound didnt work or lagfix folders bunch of text docs, just seemed cluttered. So if wanted to really clear out junk what would be a good way without having to flash back to stock?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Just flash. If you have a problem then back to stock Ans a MC. I have flashed hundreds of time back to stock once.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA Premium App
Pirateghost said:
lets look at the master clear function shall we?
when you flash to stock...your entire / is stock (RFS, eclair 2.1, /data /system, etc)
essentially, you have just reformatted your root, think of it like formatting your C drive and your sdcard is like a secondary internal drive that contains storage
master clear at this point will only delete items off your /sdcard
roms dont care about your /sdcard, master clear is worthless when you are stock
there was a time where it was necessary to flash to stock to reset the filesystem and then flash the rom. it has not been needed in months, but it continues to get preached as gospel.
even flashing to stock isnt necessary unless you are trying to come from CM7 or MIUI....or if something goes horribly wrong
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would definitely agree. I have also seen people say to disable lagfix before flashing. I have not done that either and never had any problem.
Would just like to amend the advice already given with the following:
Pre-flashing:
1. Titanium Backup of apps and data
2. Nandroid backup in case something goes boom.
Post-flashing (assuming success):
TB restore of user apps/data only. NEVER RESTORE SYSTEM FILES.
They may not apply to some people, but I feel those are necessary steps for anyone that actually uses their phone daily.
modest_mandroid said:
Would just like to amend the advice already given with the following:
Pre-flashing:
1. Titanium Backup of apps and data
2. Nandroid backup in case something goes boom.
Post-flashing (assuming success):
TB restore of user apps/data only. NEVER RESTORE SYSTEM FILES.
They may not apply to some people, but I feel those are necessary steps for anyone that actually uses their phone daily.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why not restore system files? Does this apply if coming from flashing back to stock first, or just flashing from one rom to another?
Glad to hear the advice about not flashing back to stock, that's been one of the major reasons I haven't flashed quite as many rom's as I want, too time consuming.........not to say that i'm not flashing a couple rom's a week, but there's just so many options to try
neophile said:
why not restore system files? Does this apply if coming from flashing back to stock first, or just flashing from one rom to another?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Making "search" a standard practice would be very helpful.
Restoring system is known to mess up ROMs in all cases. Though may not be mandatory, but make it a standard practice to flash stock. Takes hardly 10 mins, and helps save big headaches later.
neophile said:
why not restore system files? Does this apply if coming from flashing back to stock first, or just flashing from one rom to another?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incompatibilities across rom versions, mostly. As the guy above me said, restoring system files tends to mess up a rom because you are overwriting part of it with files from a different rom.
There is one caveat, however. If you're flashing back to a rom you originally performed the backup on, you can safely restore system files. For example, if you were running Cog 4.3 and did a full TB backup, then decided to flash Serendipity 6.3, you would want to restore only your user apps and user data. However, if you decided to flash back to Cog 4.3 at some point, you could do a full TB restore without worrying about incompatibilities.
I agree with everyone else. Flashing over another rom seldom causes issues. I make s nandroid backup of my favorite rom with everything setup the way i like it. then flash away trying different roms. When i am done, i just restore my backup and all is good!
I have done a search, couldn't find the specific answer I needed, hence my asking. Could be I wasn't phrasing the search correctly......but here I am.....
To clarify, what do you dpo to get your system settings back after flashing a new rom? I flashed to serendipty 6.4 last night, as per the advice, I didn't restore system files, just apps and data, but that didn't work so well for me. I lost my data connection, could only use my wifi, and had no contacts, or any sms msgs. I don't know what else was missing, but I then went and restored system files, everything came back as needed, and there seems to be no issue......
How do I get my info setting back, or do I just need to manually re-set everything after flashing? Apart from wireless info, msgs and contacts, what else do you lose by not restoring?
Appreciate your help
havent flashed a new rom in a while and forgot if anything extra was needed when flashing a rom over a rom
thx!

[Q] Help with root and custom ROM.

Hello guys,
I've been looking around hier for a while, and I spotted a Custom ROM that I'd like to try, it's this one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1424260
I've never rooted my phone before so I don't have experience with it.
I found a couple of threads that can help me but, I don't know in wich order I have to follow them.
First of all, I'd like to make a complete back-up of my current ROM, so in case something goes wrong, I can restore it. How do I do this? I read something about ClockWorkMod and a nandroid back-up, can somebody clear this out?
I have an unrooted HTC Incredible S with S-ON. So first, I think that I have to get S-OFF? I found a tutorial with the Revolutionary tool, but it doesn't support my HBoot, so I think that's not an option?
So then, I found this tutorial: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1337105
The tutorial is easy to follow, but can I create a full back-up before I start the tutorial?
And to get S-OFF, do I need a rooted device?
I hope somebody can help me. If you need more information, just ask.
Here is some information about my device:
- Android 2.3.5
- HTC Sense 3.0
- S-ON
- Not rooted
- HBoot 2.00.0000
- No SIM-lock
If more information is needed, please ask.
Unfortunately having your current h-boot the method available to you to root and install custom ROMs does not let you back up your phone prior to flashing. As the method used is flashing a new ROM that allows root access to your phone. Prior H-boots (1.13.0000) allowed you to root your phone without flashing a custom ROM thus unlocking boot loader to be flashed CWM as a custom recovery and allowing you to create a nandroid backup of your current state before flashing a new rom. However[/] the process you are going to need to complete might contain a back-up function included in the flashing process, I don't know for sure as I flashed from 1.13.0000, but it doesn't really matter as your going to have to complete the process anyways. I say just go for it and follow the instructions to the "T". If you follow everything properly and take your time you shouldn't encounter any problems.
In the tutorial I posted, step 10 is
10. Using volume up/down and power to select, go down to Backup/Restore. Select it, then hit Backup. ClockWorkMod will backup your stock ROM in case there are any dramas and you want to go back to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will this create a complete back-up? So when I restore it, will everything be back the way it is right now?
MrSenne said:
In the tutorial I posted, step 10 is
Will this create a complete back-up? So when I restore it, will everything be back the way it is right now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. Stay safe.
So if I just follow that tutorial, I will have a Custom ROM with root? And do I still have to get S-OFF?
You don't need to go S-OFF to flash a custom rom. There is actually no need whatsoever to go S-OFF, unless you want to go and flashing other radios. But the lastest sense 3.0 and android 2.3.5 update included the lastest radio, so keep S-ON. Better for warranty.
First go to htcdev.com and follow the instructions to unlock bootloader. BE AWARE THAT THIS WILL WIPE YOUR PHONE TO FACTORY DEFAULTS for security reasons, sdcard remains untouched.
After bootloader unlocked you can flash the clockwork recovery (you're still S-ON). Once you flashed that you can go into recovery with volumebutton down and power on. Take a backup with clockwork (=nandroid = full image of the phone in its current state) of your original rom and start flashing custom ones.
They're is probably a time where you gonna think you bricked your phone, I have. But I always got through it by searching the forum. Always, in any circomstance, manually push the boot.img of the associated rom from a PC to your phone. So never flash a ROM from your sdcard if you don't have a PC in hand. Otherwise it will probably not boot or get hardware not working (not broken in anyway, just not properly loaded).
Before changing roms, I always do the ARHD wipe script. Just to be sure every trace of the previous rom is gone. There are multiple partitions on your phone (system, data, boot). It wipes all of them to start clean.
The ROMs you are going to flash are rooted by default.
So now, of you go and be a ICS beta tester
Thanks fot the explenation.
But, because I can't root my phone because it's HBoot 2.00.0000; I can't make a back-up of it? Not even with Titanium Back-up.
Is there any way I can back-up my app's? So I don't lose all the saved data in the app's?
MrSenne said:
Thanks fot the explenation.
But, because I can't root my phone because it's HBoot 2.00.0000; I can't make a back-up of it? Not even with Titanium Back-up.
Is there any way I can back-up my app's? So I don't lose all the saved data in the app's?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know the answer is "no".
You need clockwork for a nandroidbackup, you need bootloader unlocked for clockwork, unlocking bootloader wipes your phone.
I accidently wipe mine with the unlocking of the bootloader. It seems harder than it is to start over. Just link contacts and calendar with gmail, backup sms on sdcard in messaging. That's all you need. Starting over is good to get the crappy apps gone
Hmm, okay, then I'll have to do it without making a back-up.
And is there an easy way to switch between ROM's? Without using a computer.
MrSenne said:
And is there an easy way to switch between ROM's? Without using a computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is very easy to change roms. They are stored in zip-format on your sdcard which you can browse to with clockwork. Also the nandroidbackups are stored on your sdcard and can also be chosen with clockwork.
Experience tells me that you still need to flash the boot.img of the rom manually after you flashed the rom (something to do with clockwork not able to write in boot partition while in recovery-mode, you have to be in fastboot-mode). Flashing the boot.img litterly takes 2 secs to upload, done, and reboot.
So it is no big deal to swich:
- boot in recovery
- browse to the desired rom/backup
- start and wait 5 mins
- boot in fastboot
- connect to pc and flash boot.img
- wait 2 secs and reboot
Do not flash when you need the phone and there is no pc around. If it goes wrong, you need your usb pc to fix things.
I heard something about Rommanager, can I use this and what does it do excactly?
MrSenne said:
I heard something about Rommanager, can I use this and what does it do excactly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ROM Manager is an app that works with ClockworkMod recovery to keep it up to date and allows you to make and manage CWM nandroid backups and manage partitions on your SD card. The paid version also allows you to download custom ROMs and flash them.
It requires root access in order to run.
But it's not a necessary application?
MrSenne said:
But it's not a necessary application?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, not really.
Ok, propably I'll try it this evening.
Thanks for everything who helped me, I followed the tutorial and everything is working fine.

[SOLVED] updating unlocked\rooted\s-off htc one to 4.3

Hi everyone,
im a newbie android user, have my device for barely 2 weeks.
i have a couple of questions on my mind, questions i tried googeling answers to for days now,
as i didnt find clear cut answers, im asking for your help.
i know i can flash a the stock 4.3 rom using custom recovery (i use TWRP) but that will result in wiping my data.
im interested in updating my AT&T HTC One to 4.3 without losing my data.
note that i currently have an unlocked bootloader, root (supersu) and im S-OFF (used Revone)
i already figured that i need to unroot my device and re-lock the bootloader in order to receive the OTA update properly.
my questions are as follows:
1) do i need to flash back to stock recovery in order to update or is unrooting and relocking bootloader good enough?
2) since im S-OFF, updating to 4.3 will update my hboot but will keep me S-OFF? or will it turn it on? or maybe it wont even update and stay on 1.44?
3) after i update to 4.3, re-unlocking my bootloader will once again wipe all data?
4) after updating to 4.3, in order to re-root my device i follow the same procedure i did on 4.1.2?
5) since im not using an AT&T sim card, i had to flash some wifi files in order to bypass carrier check and turn on wifi tethering, i imagine im gonna have to do that again on 4.3, will the same files work or will i need to wait for a new hack\workaround to come out? (i used: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2285047)
i have a few more questions that i cant recall right now, too much google digging for info got me confused.
will add them if\when i remember.
Thanks in Advance.
You don't need to relock bootloader or remove root, you do need stock recovery and stock ROM. Hboot will be updated, S-Off will remain. Your data will not be lost. Follow same procedure for root.
BenPope said:
You don't need to relock bootloader or remove root, you do need stock recovery and stock ROM. Hboot will be updated, S-Off will remain. Your data will not be lost. Follow same procedure for root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the quick reply.
a few followup questions if u dont mind.
1) where do i get the stock recovery files?
2) how can i identify the correct ROM associated with htc one 4.3? i know i need to use Cingular as my HTC is an AT&T one, but the roms versions are listed by AT&T firmware.
3) do i flash stock recovery and then do a regular OTA update?
Nexaddo88 said:
Hi everyone,
im a newbie android user, have my device for barely 2 weeks.
i have a couple of questions on my mind, questions i tried googeling answers to for days now,
as i didnt find clear cut answers, im asking for your help.
i know i can flash a the stock 4.3 rom using custom recovery (i use TWRP) but that will result in wiping my data.
im interested in updating my AT&T HTC One to 4.3 without losing my data.
note that i currently have an unlocked bootloader, root (supersu) and im S-OFF (used Revone)
i already figured that i need to unroot my device and re-lock the bootloader in order to receive the OTA update properly.
my questions are as follows:
1) do i need to flash back to stock recovery in order to update or is unrooting and relocking bootloader good enough?
2) since im S-OFF, updating to 4.3 will update my hboot but will keep me S-OFF? or will it turn it on? or maybe it wont even update and stay on 1.44?
3) after i update to 4.3, re-unlocking my bootloader will once again wipe all data?
4) after updating to 4.3, in order to re-root my device i follow the same procedure i did on 4.1.2?
5) since im not using an AT&T sim card, i had to flash some wifi files in order to bypass carrier check and turn on wifi tethering, i imagine im gonna have to do that again on 4.3, will the same files work or will i need to wait for a new hack\workaround to come out? (i used: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2285047)
i have a few more questions that i cant recall right now, too much google digging for info got me confused.
will add them if\when i remember.
Thanks in Advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a quick question: why do you want to go through all that hassle to receive the OTA? Since you're S-Off you're able to flash unsigned firmware. The only reason I can think of using OTA, is if someone is S-On and therefore cannot update firmware; an unlocked bootloader allows you to flash ROM, kernel, and radio, but not firmware. with S-Off you CAN do that.
One piece of advice, in either case, DO NOT GO S-ON EVER!
Or did I misunderstand you?
nkk71 said:
Just a quick question: why do you want to go through all that hassle to receive the OTA? Since you're S-Off you're able to flash unsigned firmware. The only reason I can think of using OTA, is if someone is S-On and therefore cannot update firmware; an unlocked bootloader allows you to flash ROM, kernel, and radio, but not firmware. with S-Off you CAN do that.
One piece of advice, in either case, DO NOT GO S-ON EVER!
Or did I misunderstand you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i thought that flashing the new ROM will wipe my data, where an OTA update wont, or did i misunderstood?
also got an answer to the question about the wifi tether?
Nexaddo88 said:
i thought that flashing the new ROM will wipe my data, or did i misunderstood?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are files in the firmware.zip that wipe the phone, removing those files means it won't wipe. Often boot.img and recovery.img are also removed from the firmware you download from here.
Nexaddo88 said:
i thought that flashing the new ROM will wipe my data, or did i misunderstood?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by data? your internal storage/sdcard with pictures, music, etc. or your apps?
When flashing a new ROM with different base (eg 4.2.2 to 4.3) a wipe is recommended (that would wipe your apps and their data, not sdcard), but you could use Titanium Backup, Helium, etc. to back those up and restore.
You can do a dirty flash, which would not wipe your apps, but could lead to some potential problems with some apps; in which case you would need to reflash with wipe.
Anyhow, be careful with going back to stock first, because when you flash the stock recovery, it will/could wipe your phone completely including sdcard. Happened to me while I was testing a few things, and just flashing stock recovery and accessing it, wiped my apps and sdcard.
Hit us with some more details, what ROM (etc.) are you on now, and where do you want to go.
This is where I am now (attached pics)
I would simply like to upgrade my HTC to 4.3
I would like to do that without the hassle of wiping my phone and restoring apps data.
But if it's necessary I'm willing to backup and restore the apps data.
As u said, my SD CARD contents will no be deleted? ie photos, music etc.
From what u guys told me, I gather that doing an OTA is not as simple as I thought.
Can u please tell me the easiest way to upgrade?
or even better, what my options are?
2nd pic attached, for some reason it let me attach only 1 pic.
Thanks in Advance!
Nexaddo88 said:
2nd pic attached, for some reason it let me attach only 1 pic.
Thanks in Advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my humble opinion, you should do a full back up of everything (nandroid, apps+data AND sdcard) and copy all that to your PC.
Whichever way you proceed, you're going to be moving from Android 4.1.2 to 4.2.2+, that will change the file structure on your phone: in 4.1.2 sdcard points to /data/media/ but as of 4.2.2+ it now points to /data/media/0/ (this is due to multiuser support in 4.2.2+).
For some, whether OTA or flashing a custom ROM, three things have happened:
1- the sdcard (pictures, music, etc) files were moved correctly to /data/media/0
2- the files were duplicated in /data/media AND /data/media/0, so they had to manually delete the duplicates (root enabled file explorer needed)
3- the files were not moved at all, and had to be manually moved from /data/media/ to /data/media/0/ (root enabled file explorer needed)
Note: that once you're on 4.2.2+ /data/media/ will no longer show up when you connect to your PC, only /data/media/0, hence why you need a root enabled file explorer to access /data/media/
If it was me (and I like a clean phone ), I would flash the new custom ROM in recovery, then while still in recovery format the /data/media/ (/sdcard/), boot up and let the ROM setup the sdcard as brand new.
And then setup the device from scratch. Copying all pictures, music, etc. back using your PC.
For backup/restore of USER apps & data, I would take a look at these:
* Titanium Backup
* Helium
* SMS Backup & Restore
* Call Log Backup & Restore
and possibly the built in HTC Backup.
Titanium can back up the data of system apps, but it's not recommended to restore these especially between the large gap from 4.1.2 to 4.3; usually you could restore WiFi, Bluetooth and a few more settings, but there have been reports that due to the changes in all of these, the restore of system data could/was causing problems.
Finally, if you want to upgrade your firmware, use vomer's guide here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2365506. The firmwares there have boot.img (so no need to reflash RIM), recovery.img (so no need to reflash custom recovery) removed as well as the files that would wipe the sdcard. So you can flash the firmware without any negative effects.
Of course you could just do all the backups, and try dirty flashing (without wipe), and see how that works out for you. In case you run into problems (eg apps force closing, missing widgets, bad Wifi, bluetooth, or mobile data), you can then reflash with full wipe.
This is all my personal opinion, so don't know if anybody disagrees with my thoughts.
EDIT: if you use CWM recovery, you should also take a look at this after upgrading: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1991657
Hit the thanks button if I helped
Sounds good. Tyvm!!!
I'd like a clean phone as well.
So lets me know if I get it straight:
1) flash Rom in recovery (after backing up media and/or non-system apps)
2) wiping SD CARD clean
3) flash firmware in recovery
4) flash radio in recovery
Did I get it right?
Again thanks on advance
Nexaddo88 said:
Sounds good. Tyvm!!!
I'd like a clean phone as well.
So lets me know if I get it straight:
1) flash Rom in recovery (after backing up media and/or non-system apps)
2) wiping SD CARD clean
3) flash firmware in recovery
4) flash radio in recovery
Did I get it right?
Again thanks on advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes pretty much, the most important part is the backup, I would do:
1- a nandroid backup in recovery (just in case you want to come back to that)
2- perform a Titanium Backup/Helium of everything (you don't need to restore system apps/data, but it's good to have them anyway)
3- perform HTC Backup (I do it, but have never restored from it yet)
4- copy everything from the sdcard (which would include above) to PC
firmware (modified versions by vomer) and/or radio can be flashed at any time without any risk of loosing apps or sdcard.
You should be good to go.
PS: In case you format sdcard and /system/ and find yourself without an OS (by accident), you will have to use 1 of 3 methods to get the ROM you want to flash on the phone:
1- adb sideload
2- adb push
3- OTG cable
Which firmware and radio version I need?
Whats the modification done in vomer's firmwares? Just removed files to prevent data wipe?
Nexaddo88 said:
Which firmware and radio version I need?
Whats the modification done in vomer's firmwares? Just removed files to prevent data wipe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firmware and radio are pretty much up to you; especially radio, where newer doesn't always mean better, it's very user specific, but you can flash them so easily in recovery back and forth. (I have them on my phone all the time and experiment depending on my location)
Also, just remember once you go to 2.x firmware or above the touchscreen drivers will no longer work with a 4.1.2 ROM, but then again why would you want to go back
The files in vomer's firmware that are removed are:
1- stock kernel (boot.img), otherwise you'd have to reflash ROM.zip after updating firmware
2- stock recovery (recovery.img), otherwise you'd have to reflash custom recovery after updating firmware
3- I don't recall, but some firmware package had a files in them that would wipe the sdcard (but haven't seen those for a while)
Firmware and radios are all available in vomer's guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2365506
about wiping the /data/media/ folder after flashing the ROM,
will i be prompted to do it or i'll do it manually?
sorry for all the questions, i know i can see for myself when i actually do it, but im scared since its my first android device ever
ty.
Nexaddo88 said:
about wiping the /data/media/ folder after flashing the ROM,
will i be prompted to do it or i'll do it manually?
sorry for all the questions, i know i can see for myself when i actually do it, but im scared since its my first android device ever
ty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you'll have to do it manually, I'm using CWM, so I have to go to "mounts and storage" and then "format /data and /data/media (/sdcard)"
hmm, on that thought after formatting and booting up your ROM, check if all the apps are there, some get installed to /data/app, and I wonder if the above would delete those.
Wouldn't be a big deal, you would just copy the ROM back to your sdcard using your PC and reflash it. (Maybe do that anyway)
At least you know you'll have a clean sdcard without any possibility of duplicates or other files you no longer need (eg temporary files from some apps)
Alright, I've done it!!!
Upgraded to 4.3 stock Rom, which came with 3.17 firmware.
(used: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2476204)
Flashed AT&T OTA radio.
Even found a new tether hack for 4.3 that will allow me to activate tethering while not on AT&T network
Thanks a lot for all the help,
Much appreciated.
One more question tho if that's ok,
Are there any downsides to upgrading my firmware from 3.17 to the latest 3.62?
Nexaddo88 said:
Alright, I've done it!!!
Upgraded to 4.3 stock Rom, which came with 3.17 firmware.
(used: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2476204)
Flashed AT&T OTA radio.
Even found a new tether hack for 4.3 that will allow me to activate tethering while not on AT&T network
Thanks a lot for all the help,
Much appreciated.
One more question tho if that's ok,
Are there any downsides to upgrading my firmware from 3.17 to the latest 3.62?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congratz.
As for firmware, I can't think of any downsides to upgrading it. Since you're S-Off you can always downgrade it back to 3.17 if you find any incompatibilities, though I dont think there will be any.
Alright ty.
The current firmware I have is 3.17.502...
Which came with the Rom.zip I flashed
I only found 3.17.402... on xda
Would u happen to know where I could get 3.17.502... ??
As I wouldn't want any problems or incompatibilities with the 402 one.
Also should I bother updating my hboot (if it's even possible)??
Thanks again.
Nexaddo88 said:
Alright ty.
The current firmware I have is 3.17.502...
Which came with the Rom.zip I flashed
I only found 3.17.402... on xda
Would u happen to know where I could get 3.17.502... ??
As I wouldn't want any problems or incompatibilities with the 402 one.
Also should I bother updating my hboot (if it's even possible)??
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure the ROM.ZIP contained firmware?? Usually, ROM.ZIP only contains the ROM and firmware is separate; also because the two have different flashing methods:
1- custom ROM is flashed using custom recovery
2- firmware is flashed in fastboot RUU mode
can you post a "fastboot getvar all" (remove IMEI and s/n before posting) to see the details.

SafeStrap Backup for ND3 Android 4.4.2 Stock Firmware

I made a backup of my stock ND3 Android 4.4.2 while helping someone restore their stock ROM. I know ND3 stock firmware isn't available yet (and perhaps never) but if you ever need to go back to stock and didn't make a backup, you can use this to get stock firmware back. You probably don't need this since you can use NCE ROM but just in case.
This does not include any bootloader/modem/etc, just system and data but should be enough to get you back on track.
http://stockroms.net/file/GalaxyS5/SM-G900A/SafeStrapBackup/4.4.2/KOT49H.G900AUCU2AND3.zip
Unzip and put under /TWRP/BACKUPS/blahblah directory.
If you don't have blahblah directory, just make backup of your current cache and will create one.
You can also follow this video if you just don't get it:
zedomax said:
I made a backup of my stock ND3 Android 4.4.2 while helping someone restore their stock ROM. I know ND3 stock firmware isn't available yet (and perhaps never) but if you ever need to go back to stock and didn't make a backup, you can use this to get stock firmware back. You probably don't need this since you can use NCE ROM but just in case.
This does not include any bootloader/modem/etc, just system and data but should be enough to get you back on track.
http://stockroms.net/file/GalaxyS5/SM-G900A/SafeStrapBackup/4.4.2/KOT49H.G900AUCU2AND3.zip
Unzip and put under /TWRP/BACKUPS/blahblah directory.
If you don't have blahblah directory, just make backup of your current cache and will create one.
You can also follow this video if you just don't get it:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it possible or can you do the same for ANG3? I fixed my phone using your backup three times. ?
nice, gonna debloat this and remove the carrier iq from it and some system stuff and use it. battery life sucks on all the roms for at&t right now. if i cant get more out of this stock rom im jumping back on my note 3.
This will still work being on NCE base correct?
I used this and it messed up the finger print scanner. Any ideas? It says to reboot to fix, but it doesn't fix it.
i have been looking for 2hrs...where can I download safestrap????? this is driving me crazy!
randybellis said:
i have been looking for 2hrs...where can I download safestrap????? this is driving me crazy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=53659493

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